My last "what bag(s) to buy" thread!

[Headshotzx]

Alright, I'm officially declaring myself bagless now :lol: Just sold my Think Tank Photo Streetwalker HD because it was heavy on the shoulders when loaded up, and I'm (hopefully) still growing. So now I'm looking to purchase and save up towards some baggage solutions, and I need your help!

If possible, limit suggestions to Lowepro or Think Tank Photo only. + Kata & Tamrac if they have something special. I'd prefer to buy locally, so these are the only 4 reliable brands here in Singapore that don't cost as much as Domke's and Billingham's. I'm fine with crumpler shoulder bags too.

It's often the case that different situations call for different solutions, so here are my three different solutions. Note that cameras need not be mounted with lenses, but if they can, all the better:

Going all-out, bringing everything---
2 gripped cameras
2 small zooms: 11-16, 17-40
1 small prime, 50 1.4
1 telezoom, 70-200 2.8IS
1 Rode VideoMic
2 flashes + 1x CP-E3
packed-up-softbox (12x8x3")
13" Macbook
a4 documents
Water bottle (in lowepro pouch)
Cotton Carrier (www.cottoncarrier.com)
+1 lens space for 'odds & ends'
+ 190xprob & 486RC2 / Lightstands & Umbrellas (in separate tripod bag)

Will the above fit into a Airport Airstream roller bag, or would I need to get the International V2? It's between these 2 right now. I will buy the low dividers as well.

Small shoots--
7D/5D2 gripped
17-40L
50 1.4 / 85 1.8
580EXII
Rode VideoMic
13" Macbook (optional, good if I can)
Cotton Carrier (if it is a backpack. No need if it is a shoulder bag)
Water bottle (750ml)
Tripod strap (optional)

As opposed to the first situation, it's now trying to go as light as possible here. Flipside 200? Crumpler 6mdh? Is there a bag that can JUST fit these gear? Compactness is key.

Lastly, the daypack-camerabag--
7D/5D2 gripped
17-40L
70-200 (or two primes)
580EXII
Rode VideoMic
Cotton Carrier (thus, space for laptop)
Jacket/Snacks (thus, daypack space)
Small Double Fold Rain Umbrella (outside, perhaps?)
Water Bottle
If possible, a tripod strappable one (for travel tripod)

Of great importance is comfort and the 'breathe-ability' of my back because this will sort of be my walkaround bag. Compactness is the next factor. Something like the Primus AW bag that I had and sold, but smaller if possible.


"All weather" protection isn't needed in any bags. I don't go shooting out in the rain.

My old bags:

TTP Streetwalker HD - used for bringing everything. When loaded up, too heavy for my back. Just sold it so that I can get a roller bag (First situation)
Lowepro Primus AW - used as a daypack/walkaround bag. Could not hold much gear in the camera compartment. Too big for daypack. Sold it for SWHD above.
Lowepro Stealth Reporter D200AW - too boxy for my liking. Could not fit 70-200 with hood easily. Bad on shoulders when loaded up.
Lowepro Toploader 75AW - used for camera + mounted 70-200. Didn't need this bag after awhile.

Cheers!

[Headshotzx]

Oookay perhaps it was a little wordy. I'll split it up so it's easier for others to read...

"Bringing everything"
2 gripped cams, 3 small lenses, 1 mid-telezoom, 2 flashes, 1 mic, 12x8x3" packed softbox, 13" macbook, Cotton Carrier. Said telezoom in TTP WhipItOut, in TTP LC25 for storage.

Between the TTP Airport Airstream or International, which will be better?


"Minimal"
1 gripped cam, space for 1 small lens & 1 telezoom (it will often hold just 2 small lenses), 1 flash, 1 mic, water bottle

Crumpler 6mdh fits that? How about the Lowepro flipside 200?

[JohnJ80]

You've got a raging case of Bag-a-holism. I'm not sure what to say.

In general, I have a large bag to store everything for either in the trunk or home. Then I have a smaller one to get the stuff to where I shoot. Then I use my Think Tank Changeup and shoot. In other words, I don't think there is any one bag that does everything. Using a two bag system or a one bag plus waist belt system works.

J.

[Headshotzx]

You've got a raging case of Bag-a-holism. I'm not sure what to say.

In general, I have a large bag to store everything for either in the trunk or home. Then I have a smaller one to get the stuff to where I shoot. Then I use my Think Tank Changeup and shoot. In other words, I don't think there is any one bag that does everything. Using a two bag system or a one bag plus waist belt system works.

J.

I see. I'm looking for solutions similar to yours. A roller bag to bring everything to major shoots, a small bag for smaller shoots, and a daypack kind of bag for when I travel at the end of year, or bring my camera to school.

[ed rader]

I see. I'm looking for solutions similar to yours. A roller bag to bring everything to major shoots, a small bag for smaller shoots, and a daypack kind of bag for when I travel at the end of year, or bring my camera to school.


what i have are:

-- airport antidote

-- domke f1x

-- domke f802

-- domke vest

i took everything but the f-1x to alaska and the antidote actually worked better than i thought and i wore it loaded everytime we went in the field. from now on the f1x has been bumped as my carry-on travel bag. the airport antidote is a better solution.

tomorrow me and a buddy are going to spend the day in monterey. i'll take the f1x because we'll be working out of my truck. i'll also take the domke vest to carry and extra lens or two and filters if we walk around a bit.

i used to believe in going it alone with one bag but now i realize that i need different solutions for different situations.

ed rader

[Headshotzx]

Wow, just checked Lowepro. My daypack backpack has been decided! The new Lowepro Versapack 200AW @ http://www.lowepro.com/versapack ! Big enough to fit my gear, and smaller than primus aw. Awesome!

[JohnJ80]

what i have are:

-- airport antidote

-- domke f1x

-- domke f802

-- domke vest

i took everything but the f-1x to alaska and the antidote actually worked better than i thought and i wore it loaded everytime we went in the field. from now on the f1x has been bumped as my carry-on travel bag. the airport antidote is a better solution.

tomorrow me and a buddy are going to spend the day in monterey. i'll take the f1x because we'll be working out of my truck. i'll also take the domke vest to carry and extra lens or two and filters if we walk around a bit.

i used to believe in going it alone with one bag but now i realize that i need different solutions for different situations.

ed rader

Spoken like a true bag-a-holic... and I agree.

j.

[FLiPMaRC]

What time is the meeting for the Bag-a-holics? I might be late, but I'll be there :lol: :lol: :lol:

So far I have a Crumpler 5MDH and Safrotto bag (Domke F-1X clone). I just ordered an laptop/camera backpack and I'm tracking it on UPS right now :lol: And that's just for my camera gear. I have around 10 messenger bags/backpacks for other things as well.

[JohnJ80]

What time is the meeting for the Bag-a-holics? I might be late, but I'll be there :lol: :lol: :lol:

So far I have a Crumpler 5MDH and Safrotto bag (Domke F-1X clone). I just ordered an laptop/camera backpack and I'm tracking it on UPS right now :lol: And that's just for my camera gear. I have around 10 messenger bags/backpacks for other things as well.

My wife threatens to hold a party and hand out camera bags as party favors. That's how bad i have it. Frankly, it's embarrassing. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-ashamed001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

J.

[sdsviet]

you're gonna be pushing it with the 6mdh with that amount of gear. it was starting to get tight for me with the 7mdh with gripped 40d and 17-55 with flash and one more slot of a lens. i know use a northface surge or offsite for my laptop and 5d/24-70. will be getting a tenba insert for it soon. i ended up selling my 7mdh because when i needed room for a laptop i had to rearrange and compensate a lens or take off the grip. i also find not have a flap on my shoulder bag much more efficient. i love just pulling the zip across my northface off site and grab my 5d. unclipping the buckle on the 7mdh and then flipping up the flap with the loud velcro was just taking too long to do.

[_aravena]

welcome! :lol:

I use three bags consistently and you can check my reviews for what. I use a 5MDH, Target Bag, and 7MDH. I got another but I've only used it a couple of times. need better inserts for it before it becomes one step under the 7MDH.

[FLiPMaRC]

My wife threatens to hold a party and hand out camera bags as party favors. That's how bad i have it. Frankly, it's embarrassing. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-ashamed001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

J.
My wife does not care since she has her own bags and shoes problems :lol: :lol: :lol: At least my bags don't cost as much as her Louis Vuittons :mad:

[sdsviet]

My wife threatens to hold a party and hand out camera bags as party favors. That's how bad i have it. Frankly, it's embarrassing. http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-ashamed001.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)

J.

i am in the same boat.

currently have a northface surge, northface off site, dakine backpack with dakine camera block. already went thru a 7mdh, 5mdh, and a lowepro SS 200 all in the last year. those were all sold here by the way. i am about to jump ship on the new incase dslr sling packs once they have them in stock.

[FLiPMaRC]

i am in the same boat.

currently have a northface surge, northface off site, dakine backpack with dakine camera block. already went thru a 7mdh, 5mdh, and a lowepro SS 200 all in the last year. those were all sold here by the way. i am about to jump ship on the new incase dslr sling packs once they have them in stock.
Where to get the Dakine camera block? I need one for my Dakine backpack :o


I need to stop reading this thread :lol: :lol: :lol:

[sdsviet]

u can easily find it on google. and if u ever have an issue, just email them. they have the best customer service ever! haha.

http://www.google.com/products?q=dakine+camera+block&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&ei=AKGySqT6DoHSlAea1uTuDg&sa=X&oi=product_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1

[Headshotzx]

Haha, you guys are funny.

No one has actually commented on whether I should save my money and space with the smaller airstream roller, or go for the international v2. Anyone?

Also, here's what I've been thinking:

"Minimal"
Crumpler 6mdh or Domke F-3X (if I can afford it)

"Daypack"
Lowepro Versapack 200AW or _______ ( ? )


Out:

Brands:
Nat Geo
Vanguard
Billingham (awesome, but too pricey)

Daypack:
Lowepro Fastpack
Tamrac Aero / Adventure (no back breathe-ability)

Minimal:
Lowepro Stealth Reporter
Lowepro Classified (can't put water bottle)
Think Tank Urban Disguise (doesn't look good on me)

[jacobsen1]

^ what about a pelican roller? I know you said limit it to the 4 companies you can get locally, but maybe pelican was under your radar? It's just, for me, if I'm going to take EVERYTHING, and it's going to have wheels, I'd rather have it be a fortress than something with softer sides...


i used to believe in going it alone with one bag but now i realize that i need different solutions for different situations.

Spoken like a true bag-a-holic... and I agree.


DING!

here's my current solution:
Boda (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=646054): Great for when I'm going small/light. It can actually hold a 5Dii, 100-400, 24-105 and 16-35 as well as cokin X-pro filters and a flash and 15mm FE if it's loaded to the gills. But I prefer to use it with one camera and 2 zooms (3 primes if I'm going that route). The belt option is very nice, and since you're a CC fan, you could put that on one side of the belt and use the boda as a lens bag (what it's actually designed for) on the other side.

Tamrac Messenger INSERT: (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=727299) This has been my new "bag" and I LOVE it!!! If you own bags then this is a very good and very stealth solution. You can put it in ANY bag you already own and it'll fit ~3 big lenses (same as the boda but with easier access). And depending on the bag you'll have room for more accessories as well. Mine has in it right now my D700, it's grip, TT pixel pocket, 14-24mm, 24mm 1.8, 50mm 1.4, 70-300. One is on the camera. But it's in my shoulder bag today, this weekend when I go landscaping it'll get switched to my backpack. If you have a bigger bag, get two and put them side by side for double the storage. They're also very nice to store your things in at home if you get more than one (~$20 each plus $5 shipping here in the states from B&H)....

that versa pack does seem rather nice though. I've never loved lowepro bags for whatever reasons, but it's interesting (I had a kata 3N1 which is similar but I didn't like it). The other bag I've been eyeing which would be similar to my boda is the TT UD30.

[Headshotzx]

@ Pelican, yup. I considered it. If I were to get a peli case, it'd be the 1510 with inserts. Same cost as the international V2, but can't hold a tripod attached or my macbook (important) without adding much to the cost. Plus, there aren't any included bicycle chains/locks, and if I bought one, I'd need to use a lens space for them.

@ Domke / Tamrac inserts, it might seem shocking, but I only have 2 everyday backpacks: one's too big to be comfortable, one's too small to even put a 70-200 with hood in :lol:

Thanks for your help, btw!

[jacobsen1]

@ Domke / Tamrac inserts, it might seem shocking, but I only have 2 everyday backpacks: one's too big to be comfortable, one's too small to even put a 70-200 with hood in :lol:

right, but new backpacks are significantly cheaper than new "photo" bags. ;) You could buy a new backpack AND an insert for less than one "photo" bag. IF you consider this route though, the tenba is the way to go, it's padded on the bottom and less expensive. The domke inserts have ZERO padding on the bottom and their small inserts cost what the triple tenba does.

it's just a cheap way to have more options is all.

[Headshotzx]

right, but new backpacks are significantly cheaper than new "photo" bags. ;) You could buy a new backpack AND an insert for less than one "photo" bag. IF you consider this route though, the tenba is the way to go, it's padded on the bottom and less expensive. The domke inserts have ZERO padding on the bottom and their small inserts cost what the triple tenba does.

it's just a cheap way to have more options is all.

Good point there. Did you refer to Tenba or Tamrac inserts?

EDIT: Tenba. Ok. But nothing that can put a gripped camera with lens from what I can see. Oh well.

The Domke F-3X is out now because I don't think it's worth it just for the brand. I see lots of DIY camera bags with inserts like the Tenba's around and they cost less than half of the domke F-3X AND look good.

[jdizzle]

Currently I own a Tamrac Expedtion 5 and a Expedition 8. I love them but, I want something different this time. I'm waiting on delivery of the Lowepro Vertex 300 AW. I like the idea of the hide-a-way backstrap cover and rain cover. I'll let you know how I lilke it when I receive it.

[Headshotzx]

Currently I own a Tamrac Expedtion 5 and a Expedition 8. I love them but, I want something different this time. I'm waiting on delivery of the Lowepro Vertex 300 AW. I like the idea of the hide-a-way backstrap cover and rain cover. I'll let you know how I lilke it when I receive it.

Oh, I've tried the Vertex 200 AW when I wanted to buy the SWHD. It's too big a bag for me, really, especially on my back. A roller will be the solution. I think I'll go for the Airport Airstream and just buy for the present.

I might get some inserts and a new non-camera shoulder bag for the "minimal" gear. Sucks to not be able to put a gripped camera with lens, though, but I guess splitting everything up would be safer in the event that my bag gets dropped.

[rklepper]

I think the single most frustrating thing about photography is purchasing a bag for it all. Nothing really seems just right. Even if you get several bags for different purposes, they are never optimal.

[JohnJ80]

No kidding. I'm in my sell off phase right now. I got tipped over when i went exclusively to pro bodies (bigger, don't fit as well) which is driving a bag revolt. I just got a UD35 that works great for casual use with a 1Dxxxx. I'm going to get a different backpack and all my other unused stuff is going to get sold off - A full kinesis belt system (keep the TT one), sell my unused Rotation 360, my TT waist pack. I'll be down then to a waist belt, a Streetwalker (probably Pro), UD35, TT Changeup, and my Kinesis backpack into which I can install TT modules.

Just reading that, it still sounds over the top..... :oops:

Big changes though were adding the cotton carrier for which I have high hopes in shooting skiing this year. I'll keep the cam and lens in a normal backpack or waist belt and then move to the carrier as I move about the mountain.

J.

[Headshotzx]

So true. Plus a bad bag wouldn't be good for your back.

I think I'll get the roller bag first, seeing that I have more 'need to bring lots of gear' shoots coming up. Really hope to be able to fit my steroid waist belt into the airport airstream.

I've got a shoot coming up two thursdays from now. If I can't get a roller bag the day before (the only day I'm free), my friend will lend me his Crumpler 6mdh to try.

[sdsviet]

yes try out the 6mdh first. its smaller than u actually thiink it will be.

[Headshotzx]

Hmm I might also consider shipping the Tenba Large Messenger bag here. Solves my laptop / CC issue, and gives me a good general shoulder bag if I take out the inserts.

[jacobsen1]

Good point there. Did you refer to Tenba or Tamrac inserts?

EDIT: Tenba. Ok. But nothing that can put a gripped camera with lens from what I can see. Oh well.

tenba, and yeah, I flip flop the names at times... :lol:
and it WILL fit a pro body if you need to. I've had my 5Dii and D700 in it "sideways" before so their wide dimension is across the skinny dimension of the bag if you know what I mean. It works. The biggest issue I have with the tenba right now is their velcro is weak and if you're squeezing in something big in one section and the one next to it is empty the dividers can unvelcro...

Hmm I might also consider shipping the Tenba Large Messenger bag here. Solves my laptop / CC issue, and gives me a good general shoulder bag if I take out the inserts.

sounds like a good idea to me. ;)

[Headshotzx]

You mean the gripped camera goes in without a mounted lens, right? So it takes up two lens slots, leaving two more for lenses, plus a bit of unpadded space for the flash, yes?

Btw, any idea if it can take think tank attachments? Their attachment straps are way big. I know the tenba can take my water bottle sliplock thing.

Ah well, so the roller's gonna be the new Think Tank Airport TakeOff, and the minimal gear bag should be the Tenba Messenger large. Now about that daypack...

[jacobsen1]

You mean the gripped camera goes in without a mounted lens, right? So it takes up two lens slots, leaving two more for lenses, plus a bit of unpadded space for the flash, yes?

no, camera with lens on it, lens down in a tube. Body sits with rear LCD facing "up". A 5Dii or D700 can fit either orientation (90º to each other) that way. The "height" with a grip is no more than the width w/o so that should mean a 1 series or gripped body should fit fine. It bulges out slightly, but works.

Btw, any idea if it can take think tank attachments? Their attachment straps are way big. I know the tenba can take my water bottle sliplock thing.

no clue, I'm only using the insert. ;)

[Headshotzx]

no, camera with lens on it, lens down in a tube. Body sits with rear LCD facing "up". A 5Dii or D700 can fit either orientation (90º to each other) that way. The "height" with a grip is no more than the width w/o so that should mean a 1 series or gripped body should fit fine. It bulges out slightly, but works.



no clue, I'm only using the insert. ;)

Ah I get it.

I just realised that the Tenba Messenger Large can even fit into the Think Tank Airport TakeOff that I'm gonna get for storage at home. Awesome!

[Headshotzx]

Alright, so a friend loaned me his Crumpler 6mdh yesterday and I gotta return it this sunday. I find the customisability pretty... 'bleh' for a lack of a better term. Fits a 70-200 on the right, 1D2 (loaned) unmounted in the middle, eyecup off, and 40D + 17-40L attached with 17-55's hood on the left. Not bad for a two lens two combo setup I guess, but there's no space for quick access to a flash- I had to put my 580EXII in the supplied case and stack it on top of the cameras. Fit is pretty tight with the velcro, but at least it closes.

One thing I don't like is the strap. Unlike lowepro or think tank, the strap doesn't have that rotating D ring thing at the connections to the bag, so the horribly underpaded-strap often goes onto my shoulder upside down.

More aesthetics than photo-friendly features. I think I'll pass.

Tenba might be a problem because my dad doesn't like shipping from overseas. Sheesh.

Back to square one for a shoulder bag...

[jacobsen1]

you and I are in the minority, but I agree on crumplers. Nice looking, but "meh" in terms of real world usage. Did the strap have their pad though? I've actually bought one to put on my other bags (over their pads) I liked it so much. ;)

[Headshotzx]

you and I are in the minority, but I agree on crumplers. Nice looking, but "meh" in terms of real world usage. Did the strap have their pad though? I've actually bought one to put on my other bags (over their pads) I liked it so much. ;)

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=721546

Everything the same here.

[Headshotzx]

..........

Augh.

My school trip to brisbane at the end of year has been canceled because of fears of the 'new wave of h1n1'. Gosh.

That means I don't need a daypack.

In other news:
Think Tank Airport TakeOff zis mein!

Best bag. Ever.

Short review coming up soon ;)